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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
An organized closet is key to decluttering and maximizing your space. We conducted hours of research on the best closet organizers, evaluating each model on durability, versatility, ease of assembly, and style. Our best overall pick is the The Container Store Elfa Classic 4-Foot Closet in a Box, which is highly-customizable, durably constructed, and features a sleek design.
Ahead, find the best closet organizers to keep your stuff neat.
Best Overall: The Container Store Elfa Classic 4' White Closet Kit
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The Container Store
Highly customizable
Well-constructed
Only one track is permanently mounted
Numerous add-on features
Expensive
Limited to 51-inch closet width
What do buyers say? 93% of 1,800+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
The Container Store's Elfa Classic White Closet Kit is our top pick because it is versatile, sleek, and easy to install.
This closet kit comes with four closet rods and six ventilated shelves, which can be positioned at different heights so you can fill your shelves with sweaters, short stacks of jeans, or tall boots. You permanently install the top track, which allows you to change the hanging configuration by moving the brackets. Add-ons include a gliding shoe shelf or pull-out shoe rack, mesh drawers for socks and underwear storage, or a pull-out valet rod. This is a highly durable setup, with customers reporting that drawers glide cleanly, and all metal edges are finished to prevent clothing snags.
If you opt to install the top track of this kit yourself, follow along with a detailed PDF and video provided by The Container Store. Or you can pay extra (about $200) to have someone from The Container Store come to your home and professionally install this system
Dimensions: 60 x 48 x 16 inches︱Weight: Not listed︱Material: Epoxy-bonded steel︱Assembly required: Yes
"Organize your clothes by color. This will not only make things easier to find, but also make your closet look prettier, too."—Ashley Jones Hatcher, Professional Organizer and Neat Method Chief Growth Officer
Best Budget: Rubbermaid Configurations Closet Kits
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Courtesy of Amazon
Customizable
Durable
Wide availability
Trickier installation if no wall studs are available
Limited add-ons
Rubbermaid's Configurations line makes an affordable closet kit that will work in a closet that's three to six feet wide. The hanging tracks overlap, so you won't have to worry about cutting them to size. The closet rods and shelves expand and contract to fit, and you'll have up to 12 feet of shelf space and 10 feet of hanging space, depending on the size of your closet. This kit is also sold in a silver finish, though it is slightly more expensive and at the time of publication, some shoppers were having difficulty sourcing add-ons for it.
The installation requires you to drill holes for both the hanging track and the upright supports, and if your closet has drywall, you'll need special anchors (some complained that the kit didn't come with enough, but extras can be purchased at any hardware store). Once the track and supports are installed, you'll be able to adjust the closet rods and shelves to fit your preferences. If you want to customize it even more, Rubbermaid sells additional shelves, pants hangers, tie and belt racks, wire drawers, and shoe holders, which slope gently and have a raised edge in the front.
Dimensions: 47.5 x 72 x 12 inches︱Weight: 29 pounds︱Material: Metal/resin︱Assembly Required: Yes
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The Spruce / Stacey Nash
"Due to the endless options for customization, the favorable price, and the fact that you can expand on what you already have by buying additional kits, we’d say Rubbermaid comes out on top."—Stacey L. Nash, Product Tester
Best Soft Bin: Pottery Barn Teen Gray Felt Bin, Set of 2
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Pottery Barn
Eco-friendly
Soft finish ideal for delicate clothing
Durable
Expensive
No inner dividers
Whether you're a teen or much older, these stylish Pottery Barn Teen felt bins are ideal for storing delicate clothing and fabrics. A metal inner frame keeps these bins sturdy, so they won't fold in on themselves like other soft bins. Each container can hold up to 12 pounds of clothing, so you can pile in your tank tops or jeans.
These bins are made from PET felt, created from recycled bottles and should only be gently spot cleaned. Another plus? Their square shape works well in cubby bookshelves, too, so you can use them to organize a playroom as well as your bedroom closet. However, they don't come with any inner dividers for separating socks from underwear.
Dimensions: 7 x 15 x 22 inches︱Weight: Not listed︱Material: Recycled polyester (PET) felt, cardboard inner panels, metal frame︱Assembly Required: No
Best Stackable Bin: The Container Store Premium Stackable Shirt & Sweater Bins
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The Container Store
Stackable
Coordinates with other sizes and styles
Crystal-clear plastic
Some sharp edges
Can't stack more than three
The Container Store's Premium Stackable clear bin is a wide and sturdy closet organization system, designed to hold shirts, sweaters, purses, and more. Since they're so well-constructed, many customers report buying an assortment of these bins to stack. The tough, high-impact plastic is crystal-clear, rather than simply translucent, so you can see exactly what you're pulling out.
Note that the top bin will have a 7 to 8 pound weight capacity. Some customers reported that they couldn't stack more than three before having issues with stability. You can also purchase tops separately for the bins to help keep dust out, and the containers can still be stacked even if they're covered.
Dimensions: 5.5 x 14 x 12 inches︱Weight: Not listed︱Material: Clear polystyrene plastic︱Assembly Required: No
Best Basket: Neat Method Grid Storage Baskets
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Food52
Wood liner keeps small things in place
Stylish design
Available in two sizes
Doesn't stack
No handles
Grid baskets are everywhere, but these sturdy ones from Neat Method deserve some extra attention. Not only do they come in fun color options like brass, navy, and spruce green, but they're also fitted with acacia wood liners to keep items contained and help stabilize the basket.
These baskets would be great for oddly sized items such as handbags, gloves, and hats, and the exterior can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth. There are foam pads on the bottom to protect furniture from scratches. They come in a range of different sizes, although they aren't always in stock at every retailer.
Dimensions: Small, 6 x 6 x 16 inches; medium, 7 x 10 x 14 inches; large, 7 x 12 x 18 inches︱Weight: Not listed︱Material: Powder-coated steel basket, acacia wood liner︱Assembly required: No
Best Hooks: West Elm Sadie Wall Hooks
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West Elm
Classic, elegant look
Mix of lengths
High weight capacity
Not good for wet items
Wide spacing between hooks limits capacity
When it comes to hooks, it's hard to top the elevated quality and aesthetic of wood, and these West Elm Sadie Wall Hooks are top-notch. They're made in India from mango wood, and each hook has a generous load capacity of 10 pounds. You can choose from three different sizes ranging from three to seven hooks, so you can choose which one best fits the size of your space.
Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 10.75-60 inches︱Weight: Not listed︱Material: Mango wood︱Assembly Required: No
Best for Drawers: California Closets Bleecker Divided Organizer w/ Handle
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California Closets
Available in a mix of sizes
No sharp edges
Multiple color choices
Expensive
Fixed width
The Bleecker Divided Organizer from California Closets comes in a few different sizes and configurations, so you can mix and match according to your drawer sizes. Although they don't have lids to guard against dust, these organizers would also work on open shelving. The smaller compartments fit items like scarves, belts, ties, underwear, and sunglasses, so you can keep these items from jumbling together when you open and close your drawers. The organizers are available in white and gray, which each have a smooth exterior, and black and dark blue, which have a more textured feel.
Dimensions: 4 x 7 x 14 inches︱Weight: Not listed︱Material: Heavyweight 90 percent recycled fiberboard, laminate paper exterior︱Assembly Required: No
Best Hangers: The Container Store Linen Premium Non-Slip Velvet Hangers
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The Container Store
Affordable
Slim profile
Non-slip velvet
Coating may wear thin over time
Identical hangers keep your clothes on the same level so you can see things more clearly. The Container Store's Linen Premium Non-Slip Velvet Hangers slim hangers are some of the most stylish and popular hanger sets on the market. At just a quarter-inch thick, they maximize space, so you can fill your closet with blouses and dresses. Their soft exterior is gentle on thin fabrics, and the chrome-plated hook swivels for easy access.
These are designed for shirts, but a suit style (with the bottom bar) is also available. You can add clips for pants and cascading hooks for belts, so you can adapt them as your wardrobe changes without needing to buy more hangers. This style is also sold in kids' sizes.
Dimensions: 9 x 17 x .25 inches︱Weight: 1.6 ounces (each)︱Material: ABS plastic with velvet-like finish, chrome-plated metal hook︱Assembly required: No
Best Hamper: Simple Houseware Foldable Laundry Hamper Basket with Lid
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Amazon
Magnetic lid
Inexpensive
Lightweight
No bag included
Small size may not appeal to some
The Simple Houseware Foldable Laundry Hamper is compact, so it's great for smaller spaces. It's lightweight and made of a canvas-like polypropylene plastic that's easy to wipe down. The magnetic lid attaches with Velcro and can be tucked out of the way when it's not needed.
Note that the hamper is less than two feet tall; reviewers estimate it holds about one to two weeks' worth of laundry for one person. Because of the size, some also like to use it in the bathroom as an extra towel hamper. It also comes in a range of colors, such as dark gray, brown, pink, blue, and turquoise. Handles are incorporated into the sides and it doesn't come with a laundry bag, though you can easily add your own. It can collapse flat for storage if you aren't using it.
Dimensions: 22.75 x 13 x 13 inches︱Weight: 3.5 pounds︱Material: Polypropylene plastic︱Assembly required: Yes
Best Over-the-Door Organizer: Yamazaki Home Over The Door Hooks
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Amazon
Sleek, low-profile design
Solid construction
Can double up, if needed
Some found screws too small during assembly
Only fits 1.5 inch-thick door
Over-the-door hook racks can feel cumbersome, but this vertical option from Yamazaki is streamlined with a low, "waterfall" profile. Each hook can hold 2.2 pounds so you can pile on your bags or wet towels. For those who need even more hanging space, it's simple to place two racks side by side, or Yamazaki also makes coordinating hooks in a horizontal style.
Most people use this hanger for handbags, backpacks, and hats, but it also works well for towels and linens, as well as coats. It's designed to fit doors that are about 1.5 inches thick, so be sure to measure carefully first.
Dimensions: 21.3 x 0.6 x 1.75 inches︱Weight: 0.44 pounds︱Material: Steel︱Assembly required: Yes
Best for Shoes: The Container Store Small Drop-Front Shoe Box Case Of 6
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The Container Store
Stackable
Dropdown doors
Easy visibility
Hinges may be prone to breaking
Expensive to buy in bulk
Clear shoe boxes are an excellent way to store shoes. The Container Store's Drop-Front Shoe Box has ventilation holes to help shoes breathe, and a drop-front hinged door for easy access. Some customers reported that the doors broke over time, although the Container Store announced that the newer version has additional reinforcement in the hinge area.
The boxes come in three sizes: Small fits women's shoes up to size 11, large fits men's size 13, and extra-large fits up to men's 16. The containers stack neatly and with stability, so you can feel confident in your DIY shoe closet.
Dimensions: 7.25 x 8.69 x 12.5 inches︱Weight: Not listed︱Material: Polypropylene and polystyrene plastic︱Assembly required: No
Best for Pantry: Prep & Savour Acrylic Spice Rack
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Wayfair
Blends seamlessly
Racks can positioned separately
Easy to clean
Can look messy if bottles aren't identical
Expensive
The Prep & Savour Acrylic Spice Rack is a minimalist wall shelf that can also be mounted inside cabinets, on doors, or directly on your kitchen wall. You'll receive four racks in this set (each 15 inches wide) as well as screws for installation, so you can choose to display them together or split them up into different areas. The racks hold about 32 spice jars, depending on size. They can also be used to display items like nail polish, small jars, or books.
Dimensions: 2.4 x 15 x 3 inches︱Weight: 3.83 ounces (total)︱Material: Acrylic︱Assembly required: No
Best for Cleaning Supplies: Kmeivol Broom Holder Wall Mount
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Amazon
Includes both hooks and grip slots
Can be mounted using hardware or adhesive
Durable
Some found installation tricky
Adhesive could be stronger
Has your cleaning closet seen better days? The Kmeivol Broom holder is here to help. It keeps brooms and mops off the floor and within easy reach. It's made from stainless steel and silicone, so it can stand up to the moisture you might have in a kitchen or laundry room.
The silicone slots, which have ridges, will grip items firmly even if they're wet. In total, the rack can support 200 pounds if you use the screws and anchors to secure it; with adhesive strips the capacity drops to 30 pounds. Reviewers praised its durability over time, even when busy kids were pushing and pulling on it frequently.
Dimensions: 1.77 x 15 inches︱Weight: 11.2 ounces︱Material: Stainless steel, silicone︱Assembly required: No
For a closet solution that's well-made, attractive, and primed for dozens of useful add-ons, consider investing in The Container Store Elfa Classic 4-Foot Closet in a Box. For a less expensive option that's also sturdy and modular, consider the Rubbermaid Configurations Classic Closet Kit. It's customizable, affordable, and includes helpful add-ons.
What to Look for in a Closet Organizer
Size
"The biggest thing to consider when purchasing closet organizing products is how much you’re looking to store inside the product," says Ashley Jones Hatcher, professional organizer and Chief Growth Officer for Neat Method.
Once you have an idea of what you're planning to store, measure your closet, and pay attention to any special features such as crown molding or electrical boxes that may alter your measurements in certain spots.
"Make sure you think about the weight of a particular product, so you don’t end up with heavy wooden bins on the top shelf that are hard to get down," adds Hatcher.
Organization Options
Hatcher advises people to consider how the items will live once organized. Items you use most frequently should be within easy reach. "Use your design aesthetic from the rest of the home to guide purchasing decisions for your closet products, so you create a space that is not only organized, but pretty, too," says Hatcher.
Closet Kits and Custom Systems: If you're on a tight budget or just in a rush to get organized, you can buy a boxed closet kit from a brand like Rubbermaid or Closetmaid. These generally come with a mix of clothing rods and shelves that can be reconfigured in different ways, and you can usually buy additional accessories for them, like wire drawers or pants racks. For a more customized (and more expensive) solution, you can bring in a company such as California Closets or The Container Store to help you redesign your closet. The Container Store also has an online tool for shoppers to start planning.
Bins and Baskets: In general, square or rectangular containers will save space and be easier to line up than round or oval-shaped ones. For items you grab frequently, consider an open bin that makes it easy to reach in. Clear bins allow you to see items easily, and some have drop fronts so items are protected from dust but still visible. Some bins are specifically labeled as stackable, so the bottom of one will fit nicely into the top of another. Opaque canvas bins or lidded boxes can help give an open closet a more unified look, but you may have trouble remembering what lives where. Ventilation holes or breathable fabric bins will allow air to flow around everyday clothing, which can help prevent mildew that might result from residual dampness. But for long-term storage, you'll want to first wash and dry all clothing thoroughly, and use bins that close tightly to prevent moisture and pests like moths from invading.
Drawer Organizers: Divided trays can help make it easier to find things inside a packed drawer. Depending on the size of the compartments, they can hold not only socks and underwear, but also belts, sunglasses, and jewelry.
Material
Closet organizers come in plastic, canvas, or wood. Plastics labeled "high impact" or "rigid" may work best for heavier items; some companies also list the weight capacity. Canvas boxes may be prone to buckling when stacked. If you're storing delicate fabrics, skip textured baskets and look for bins without sharp edges that could snag clothing. In this case, opt for fabric or smooth plastic.
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How can you organize clothes in a small closet?
Hatcher recommends focusing first on the items you wear the most, and make sure you have a solid solution in place for them. She also suggests trading out your hangers. "I particularly like slimline hangers as they really do help you fit far more in your closet than bulkier plastic hangers, and as you switch these out, take some time to edit your closet and get rid of things that you don’t wear," she says. If you're really tight on space, she also suggests a "seasonal switch-out" where you plan to store off-season items in a different space in your home.
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How do you use wasted closet space?
If you're worried about wasted space, remember to measure and make the most of it. "The biggest key to avoiding wasted closet space is to make sure that you’re measuring for products before you purchase them," says Hatcher. When possible, stack items. "In areas like the space from the top closet shelf to the ceiling, opt for products that are stackable, so you can fill that gap and maximize the space as much as possible," she says.
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Are closet kits or systems worth it?
Kits can be helpful if you're on a budget or in a rush to get your closet in order, and can be a simple solution for straightforward reach-in closets with standard measurements.
They work well in closets where your storage needs are basic, such as a guest bedroom. Hatcher warns that because organizing your closet is "a highly personal experience," in some cases, closet kits may be limiting. "Sometimes closet kits can keep you from creating the best system for you," she says.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Lexi Dwyer has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019 and has written about laundry hampers, toy storage, woven baskets, plastic bins, and other home-related topics. She considered dozens of closet organizers for this roundup, evaluating them on factors such as appearance, versatility, ease of assembly, and the number of coordinating items included. She also took hundreds of customer reviews and write-ups from third-party websites into account.
Additional input was provided by Ashley Jones Hatcher, a professional organizer and the Chief Growth Officer of Neat Method.